Volvo SPM modification info please

[aviator]

I have Volvo TAMD75 EDC engines and have had a history of problems with the upper helm but not the lower helm engine controls.

The boat was new in 2004 and AFAICS in 2006 Volvo fitted SPM units (Signal Processing Module) which were a March 2006 retro fit for TAMD74 and 75 engines EDC only.

The fit kit was Volvo part number 3887834 and included the SPM unit and a piece of foam for the relay box fitted inside the cover.

Does any of this ring a bell as I would like to find out the background to this unit whose purpose seems to be processing the throttle signals at each control station and logging the last 15 run cycles (all this from the installation instructions I have)?

They were clearly looking for a problem and it may be related to voltage drops due to connector problems.

Thing is that I have a problem where intermittantly the upper helm drive disconnects and the engines go into limp home mode. Throttles to neutral and re-engage drive and back to normal. Could go in 5 minutes or 5 days.

I am looking for information which could assist in finally fixing this problem. FWIW Volvo have been supportive but seem to have run out of ideas.

Any information much appreciated.

Oh and the mustery is that I looked at the wiring for the upper helm and could not find this SPM unit which I know was fitted. I have not looked at the lower helm since this is much more difficult to get at ;-) The instructions say that 2 SPMs must be fitted, one to each control station, so if there is only one fitted that must be a problem.

TIA

 

[Paul_f7]

Hi did you ever resolve this issue, as I have exactly the same issue? Cheers P

 

[hardlife]

I have Volvo TAMD75 EDC engines and have had a history of problems with the upper helm but not the lower helm engine controls.

The boat was new in 2004 and AFAICS in 2006 Volvo fitted SPM units (Signal Processing Module) which were a March 2006 retro fit for TAMD74 and 75 engines EDC only.

The fit kit was Volvo part number 3887834 and included the SPM unit and a piece of foam for the relay box fitted inside the cover.

Does any of this ring a bell as I would like to find out the background to this unit whose purpose seems to be processing the throttle signals at each control station and logging the last 15 run cycles (all this from the installation instructions I have)?

They were clearly looking for a problem and it may be related to voltage drops due to connector problems.

Thing is that I have a problem where intermittantly the upper helm drive disconnects and the engines go into limp home mode. Throttles to neutral and re-engage drive and back to normal. Could go in 5 minutes or 5 days.

I am looking for information which could assist in finally fixing this problem. FWIW Volvo have been supportive but seem to have run out of ideas.

Any information much appreciated.

Oh and the mustery is that I looked at the wiring for the upper helm and could not find this SPM unit which I know was fitted. I have not looked at the lower helm since this is much more difficult to get at ;-) The instructions say that 2 SPMs must be fitted, one to each control station, so if there is only one fitted that must be a problem.

TIA

 

[hardlife]

Hi I am stuck in Lefkas Greece with the same problem. Have you solved it....and if so how.? Would really appreciate your news!!

 

[Andyroonot]

The SPM requirement is a selective campaign instigated by Volvo Penta on these engines. I forget the exact wording but it was related to unintended gear shifting & RPM fluctuations I believe.

If you have the 10 digit serial numbers then the system can be checked & if the campaign is valid, it will flag up as being required. If it’s shown as required then despite the age, a VP Dealer can carry out the work to supply and fit the SPM free of charge. The original post is correct by suggesting that 1 SPM unit is required for each helm station, although 1 unit will be sufficient for a twin engine throttle. So, for a twin engine flybridge boat it would require 2 x SPM’s.

 

[a harrower]

I have Volvo TAMD75 EDC engines and have had a history of problems with the upper helm but not the lower helm engine controls.

The boat was new in 2004 and AFAICS in 2006 Volvo fitted SPM units (Signal Processing Module) which were a March 2006 retro fit for TAMD74 and 75 engines EDC only.

The fit kit was Volvo part number 3887834 and included the SPM unit and a piece of foam for the relay box fitted inside the cover.

Does any of this ring a bell as I would like to find out the background to this unit whose purpose seems to be processing the throttle signals at each control station and logging the last 15 run cycles (all this from the installation instructions I have)?

They were clearly looking for a problem and it may be related to voltage drops due to connector problems.

Thing is that I have a problem where intermittantly the upper helm drive disconnects and the engines go into limp home mode. Throttles to neutral and re-engage drive and back to normal. Could go in 5 minutes or 5 days.

I am looking for information which could assist in finally fixing this problem. FWIW Volvo have been supportive but seem to have run out of ideas.

Any information much appreciated.

Oh and the mustery is that I looked at the wiring for the upper helm and could not find this SPM unit which I know was fitted. I have not looked at the lower helm since this is much more difficult to get at ;-) The instructions say that 2 SPMs must be fitted, one to each control station, so if there is only one fitted that must be a problem.

TIA

Hi, I've had the same problem with my 2 edc units, I've been waiting 1 year in August for this part but volvo keep knocking back delivery. Any advise would be much appreciated. Thanx.

 

[a harrower]

Hi, I've had the same problem with my 2 edc units, I've been waiting 1 year in August for this part but volvo keep knocking back delivery. Any advise would be much appreciated. Thanx.

Sorry, it's my spm unit not my edc.

 

[volvopaul]

Sorry, it's my spm unit not my edc.

Still out of production like the edc units , a terrible situation it put me and others off buying any edc controlled engine from Volvo . They even don't support the earlier D4/6 EVC A / etc it's a few thousand now to upgrade to a new system, again I wouldn't buy any older D4/6 engines boat .

 

[volvopaul]

Sorry, it's my spm unit not my edc.

You can still use the boat without it fitted , are you saying you dare not use the boat ?

 

[Seastoke]

What’s a spm

 

[volvopaul]

What’s a spm

Signal processing module

 

[a harrower]

You can still use the boat without it fitted , are you saying you dare not use the boat ?

Sorry for the delay paul, yes I lost all control on york river, I had to do some dodgy maneuvers with the thrusters to get back. So not been able to use it for a year now, I tried to find someone to upgrade the system with anything other than volvo, but it's like banging my head against the wall and I don't know how to drive the boat without the volvo system.

 

[K2me]

Signal processing module

My tamd 74 is having the same issue shifting into safe mode, netural goes into reverse. My boat has the spm but throws the 2.7 code for potemoiter.

If i replace that do you think it will resolve??? Thw spm are no where to be found. Has anyone had any luck?

 

[volvopaul]

Sorry for the delay paul, yes I lost all control on york river, I had to do some dodgy maneuvers with the thrusters to get back. So not been able to use it for a year now, I tried to find someone to upgrade the system with anything other than volvo, but it's like banging my head against the wall and I don't know how to drive the boat without the volvo system.

Calibrate the controls

 

[petem]

My tamd 74 is having the same issue shifting into safe mode, netural goes into reverse. My boat has the spm but throws the 2.7 code for potemoiter.

If i replace that do you think it will resolve??? Thw spm are no where to be found. Has anyone had any luck?

Potentiometers are cheap so replacement is worth a try.

 

[volvopaul]

My tamd 74 is having the same issue shifting into safe mode, netural goes into reverse. My boat has the spm but throws the 2.7 code for potemoiter.

If i replace that do you think it will resolve??? Thw spm are no where to be found. Has anyone had any luck?

Calibrate the controls check the plugs on pot sensor for moisture or corrosion

 

[Cloudchaser]

Calibrate the controls check the plugs on pot sensor for moisture or corrosion

Hi, we have the same problem here, Volvo is pushing back manufacturing the SPM, I’ve been in contact with a technician who says that and Aventics unit control could be adapted depending on engine model. I’m having them check this and maybe with luck the problem can be solved.

 

[petem]

Hi, we have the same problem here, Volvo is pushing back manufacturing the SPM, I’ve been in contact with a technician who says that and Aventics unit control could be adapted depending on engine model. I’m having them check this and maybe with luck the problem can be solved.

What is an "Aventics unit control"?

 

[Cloudchaser]

What is an "Aventics unit control"?

Aventics is a manufacturer of nautical stuff, such as throttles, ECU, etc… the technicians I’ve contacted, said that they have been fixing this issue replacing the Volvo ECU and Throttles to the Aventics ones. They just need to see if they are compatible with the engine model

 

[petem]

Aventics is a manufacturer of nautical stuff, such as throttles, ECU, etc… the technicians I’ve contacted, said that they have been fixing this issue replacing the Volvo ECU and Throttles to the Aventics ones. They just need to see if they are compatible with the engine model

Thanks. I'd be interested to know which models they do support and exactly which parts of the engine control and management they are replacing.